As we all continue to make adjustments to how we work and learn given the social distancing guidelines. Let’s make your current technology work better for you. Here are 5 quick tips to help!

1. Why is my computer slow? Know the problem to find the solution.

A slow computer can be caused by many things. It may be really old and not up to the task of what you want it to do. It may have a virus, PC/Mac’s are all susceptible to virus and malware infections and can bring your speed way down, not to mention all the other risks. We can help get you up to speed. If you need to clean it up, boost your hardware or replace it, we will steer you in the right direction.

2. Is my internet slow?

Slow internet can be caused by many different things. The first pro tip is to plug it in to ethernet! If you want to rule out some network problems plug your computer directly into your router. This eliminates the wifi reception issue. If this makes things much better, try moving closer to our router or it may be time for a router/service upgrade.

3. My laptop freezes up all the time!

So many reasons that will cause a computer to “freeze” or lockup. Hardware issues, especially aging hard drives are a top culprit. Virus infections and overheating can bring things to a crawl. Just because they are called laptops, doesn’t mean they should sit on your lap or on your bed spread, blanket, stomach the back of your dog etc…There needs to be an air flow gap, that’s why they have those tiny feet.

4. I can’t print anything anymore yikes!

If anything has ever been designed to fail it is a consumer grade printer. Inkjets especially. Quick tip if you have 20 items queued up to print, it may be the first one causing the problem. Delete all the print jobs restart the computer and you may get lucky. If not try plugging it in with a USB cord. How about downloading the latest print software from the manufacturers website. If you can rule out printer jams and dried out ink and you have an inexpensive printer. Replace it and move on….

5. How do I connect to school/campus on my computer.

Many people can connect to friends pretty easily with facetime/skype. When you need to connect with your class you may need to connect with google meets or zoom. Both of these work very well with zoom being our favorite. Meetings are usually planned in advance and you will be sent an invite. Follow those instructions to download and connect. Be sure to check your microphone or call in with your cell and don’t forget to peel the tape of your camera.

Have questions? We would love to help out. We will come up with a plan to cost effectively resolve your tech trouble. Often we can do this remotely, no need to leave the house! For more information please send an email to [email protected] contact us through social media or pick up the phone and call 207.862.7019